Time trial world champion Filippo Ganna discussed his diagnosis of COVID-19.

The Italian, who won four stages at last month's Giro d'Italia, apologized to his Italian track teammates Liam Bertazzo and Michele Scartezzini.

Speaking to Tuttobiciweb (opens in new tab), Ganna revealed that he is still positive two weeks after his initial positive test, adding that several members of his family have also been quarantined with the virus.

"We got a lot of attention throughout the year, and we did everything right. And after a day and a half (of being out of the "bubble" of the Ineos Grenadiers), I'm relaxed, I've thrown away a lot of chances because of COVID-19, but now I'm at peace." [I'm really sorry that I infected my teammates and friends Bertazzo and Scartezzini. [We are united, for better or worse. We've all had positive results and we're not isolated. We're on our way to herd immunity right now," he joked.

Ganna is scheduled for his third test on Friday. He added that since testing positive for the virus, he has been suffering from high fever, flu-like symptoms, and loss of taste and smell.

"I hope to test negative as soon as possible and that this disease does not scar my body. But there is no certainty. Of course, as soon as I feel better, I will undergo the necessary tests before returning to training."

"I had a fever of 39 degrees for three days, and taking paracetamol three times a day did not bring the fever down. I had bone pain and typical flu symptoms and had no sense of taste or smell for a week.

"I tried taste with mustard and smell with alcohol. I can taste honey again, but I still can't taste coffee."

Despite the disappointing end to the season, Gana reflected on a very positive year overall.

In addition to four stage wins at the Giro, including a solo victory at Camigliatello Sirano, he became Italian and world time trial champion, won the San Bendetto del Tronto time trial from Tirreno-Adriatico, and broke the course record He has established himself as one of the top time trialists in the world. In February, he also broke his own world record and won the World Pursuit title.

"It was [good] in every sense of the word. I can't complain about the work. I can't complain about my work," he said. Those who deny the seriousness of the virus that is upsetting the world and still insist on not respecting the rules that will help defeat it should try it for themselves.

"I am proud of what I have won in this atypical season, but right now I just want me and my loved ones to be healthy again. Sports are important, but there are other priorities in life."

Today's Deal: USA

Today's Deal: UK [31]